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| United States Patent |
6,019,963
|
|
Kling
, et al.
|
February 1, 2000
|
Deodorizing composition containing tea tree and eucalyptus oils
Abstract
A deodorizing dispersion effective for reducing the odor intensity of an
odorous material, the dispersion including effective amounts of tea tree
oil and eucalyptus oil, preferably dispersed in an aqueous carrier phase.
The dispersion optionally includes dispersing agents, such as thickeners,
surfactants, and solvents, to promote the stability and uniformity of the
dispersion and provide cleaning and detergency attributes.
| Inventors:
|
Kling; Kimberly Mark (Norton Shores, MI);
Kling; Edward Albert (Norton Shores, MI)
|
| Assignee:
|
D.S.C. Products, Inc. (Muskegon, MI)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
197051 |
| Filed:
|
November 20, 1998 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
424/76.1; 424/76.4; 424/76.5; 424/76.6; 424/76.9; 512/5 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A61L 009/00; A61L 009/04; A61L 011/00; A61L 009/01; C11B 009/00 |
| Field of Search: |
424/76.1,76.4,76.5,76.6,76.9
512/5
|
References Cited
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 96/25373 | Aug., 1996 | WO.
| |
| 96/28032 | Sep., 1996 | WO.
| |
| 96/28033 | Sep., 1996 | WO.
| |
Primary Examiner: Dodson; Shelley A.
Assistant Examiner: Lamm; Marina
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A deodorizing dispersion comprising in a carrier:
from about 0.0005% to about 0.08% of a first natural oil selected from the
group consisting of eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil; and
a second natural oil present in a weight ratio of from about 2:1 to about
1:2 relative to the first natural oil, the second natural oil being
selected from the group consisting of eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil,
wherein the first and second natural oils are different oils.
2. The dispersion of claim 1 wherein the tea tree oil ranges from about
0.0005% to about 0.08% and the eucalyptus oil ranges from about 0.0005% to
about 0.08%.
3. The dispersion of claim 1 further comprising an effective amount of at
least one dispersing agent, wherein the carrier phase is aqueous.
4. The dispersion of claim 1 wherein the dispersing agent includes a
nonionic surfactant.
5. The dispersion of claim 4 wherein the nonionic surfactant is present
from about 0.0016% to about 0.5% by weight of the dispersion.
6. The dispersion of claim 3 wherein the dispersing agent includes from
about 0.0024 to about 45% by weight of at least one glycol ether.
7. The dispersion of claim 6 wherein the glycol ether is present from about
0.0024% to about 0.75% by weight of the dispersion.
8. A method of reducing the odor intensity of an odorous carpet comprising
applying the deodorizing dispersion of claim 1 to the carpet.
9. A deodorizing dispersion comprising in a carrier:
an effective amount of tea tree oil;
an effective amount of eucalyptus oil; and
an effective amount of one or more dispersing agents selected from the
group consisting of surfactants, emulsifiers, thickening agents, and
hydrotropes; and
a solvent in an amount of from about 0.0024% to about 0.75% by weight of
the dispersion.
10. The dispersion of claim 9 wherein the solvent is a glycol ether
solvent.
11. The dispersion of claim 9 wherein the dispersing agent includes a
surfactant in an amount of from about 0.0016% to about 0.5% by weight of
the dispersion.
12. The dispersion of claim 9 wherein the tea tree oil ranges from about
0.0005% to about 0.08% and the eucalyptus oil ranges from about 0.0005% to
about 0.08%.
13. A deodorizing dispersion consisting essentially of:
a carrier;
an effective amount of tea tree oil dispersed in the carrier;
an effective amount of eucalyptus oil dispersed in the carrier; and
an effective amount of one or more dispersing agents selected from the
group consisting of surfactants, emulsifiers, thickening agents, and
hydrotropes.
14. The dispersion of claim 13 wherein the surfactant ranges from about
0.0016% to about 0.5% by weight of the dispersion.
15. The dispersion of claim 13 wherein the tea tree oil ranges from about
0.0005% to about 0.08% and the eucalyptus oil ranges from about 0.0005% to
about 0.08%.
16. A method of reducing the odor intensity of an odorous carpet comprising
applying the deodorizing dispersion of claim 13 to the carpet.
17. The dispersion of claim 13 wherein the carrier is aqueous.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to deodorizing dispersions, and more
particularly, to deodorizing dispersions incorporating tea tree and
eucalyptus oils.
Materials can take on an offensive odor under several circumstances. For
example, a carpet that has been exposed to water from storm, flood,
overflow, or pipe breakage will smell of the mold and mildew that
subsequently form in the carpet. Also, a fabric or carpet can smell of
urine and feces deposited by a pest or household pet. The growth of
microorganisms associated with such deposits or floods can contribute
significantly to the foul smell. Further, entire contents of fire-damaged
buildings may retain the strong smell of smoke.
Deodorizing compositions are available to disinfect, remove, or mask these
offensive odors in order to salvage or restore the exposed materials. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,610,189 to Whiteley issued Mar. 11, 1997 entitled "Disinfecting
Composition" discloses a disinfecting and deodorizing composition
containing tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is distilled or extracted from the
leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), which is native to
Australia. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic, germicide, fungicide, and
cleaning attributes, and a characteristic odor, for which Whiteley
recommends added perfume or odor maskant for cosmetic appeal. (Col. 6,
Ins. 9-16.)
Neuman Industries, Inc. supplies a deodorizing composition under the NC
2000 trademark. The NC 2000 contains an unspecified amount of eucalyptus
oil; the other components are not disclosed. The NC 2000 product has been
applied as a fine mist in the air to deodorize pig farms.
Felton Grimwade & Bickford Pty. Ltd. of Oakleigh South, Victoria, Australia
supply two cleaner/deodorizer products under the BOSITO'S PARROT BRAND
trademark: the first containing 25% eucalyptus oil in a hydrocarbon
propellant, the second containing 100% eucalyptus oil.
Although these compositions can be used to treat odorous materials, the
need still exists for effective deodorizing formulations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aforementioned problems are overcome in the present invention wherein a
deodorizing dispersion useful for reducing the odor intensity of an
odorous material includes effective amounts of tea tree oil and eucalyptus
oil. The tea tree and eucalyptus oils can be dispersed in a carrier phase,
such as an aqueous carrier phase. The deodorizing dispersion optionally
includes effective amounts of one or more dispersing agents, such as a
thickening agent, a surfactant, and a solvent.
The present invention also includes a method of reducing the intensity of
an odor by applying an effective amount of a deodorizing dispersion, which
contains effective amounts of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the active deodorizing
components of the dispersion are essentially the tea tree and eucalyptus
oils. In another embodiment of the present invention, the dispersing
agents are essentially biodegradable.
The deodorizing dispersion of the present invention combines effective
amounts of the natural essential oils of the tea tree and eucalyptus tree
to form an effective composition for treating odorous materials. The
deodorizing dispersion can be used with conventional application methods
and equipment. Further, the deodorizing dispersion can be formulated
essentially with only natural or biodegradable components. The deodorizing
dispersion does not require synthetic or masking perfume to counter the
otherwise noticeable and characteristic smell of tea tree oil. Also, the
deodorizing dispersion does not weaken the stain-resistant treatment
(e.g., the fluorocarbon-based protectant) of treated fabrics.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be
more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The deodorizing dispersion of the present invention includes effective
amounts of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil. Preferably, these oils are
dispersed in a carrier phase, for example, an aqueous continuous phase,
which optionally includes a thickener. The dispersion may also include
other dispersing agents, such as surfactants and solvents, to promote the
stability and uniformity of the dispersion and provide cleaning and
detergency attributes.
Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oils
The deodorizing dispersion includes effective amounts of tea tree and
eucalyptus oils. As used herein, "effective amounts" includes amounts that
upon application to an odorous material act to reduce the odor intensity.
Odorous materials include hard surfaces (e.g., floors, walls, plaster) or
porous materials (e.g., carpets, upholstery, drapes, clothing, mattresses,
insulation) that have been soiled or damaged by mold, mildew,
microorganisms, urine, feces, sewage, or smoke. In addition to providing
deodorizing attributes to supplement those of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil
also counteracts or reduces the naturally unpleasant, characteristic smell
of the tea tree oil in the dispersion, so that consumers will not be
offended by the aroma of the tea tree oil in the dispersion. Both tea tree
oil and eucalyptus oil are considered "natural" components--that is,
components found in or produced by living things. Accordingly, both of
these oils are natural, odor-reducing or deodorizing active components.
Effective amounts of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil include a relative
weight ratio of tea tree oil to eucalyptus oil ranging from about 100:1 to
about 1:100, preferably from about 10:1 to about 1:10, more preferably
from about 2:1 to about 1:2, most preferably about 1:1. The dispersion may
be essentially free of components other than tea tree and eucalyptus oils.
However, since these oils are relatively expensive, it is preferable to
disperse these components in a carrier phase to achieve cost efficient
coverage and contact of the oils with an odorous material.
As discussed below, the deodorizing dispersion can be provided in
relatively concentrated form for shipment or in relatively diluted form
for application. Preferred concentrations depend on the deodorizing
application. Generally, deodorizing applications fall into one of four
categories of increasing deodorization difficulty:
__________________________________________________________________________
Class
Application
__________________________________________________________________________
I Portable Extractors and Ready-To-Use Sprays
II Hard Surfaces; General Deodorization; Laundry
III Restoration of Materials Exposed to Clean Water; Carpet Prespray;
Truckmount
Additive
IV Restoration of Materials Exposed to Sewage Back-up, Urine, Unsanitary
Water,
Putrefied Items; Water & Fire Restoration
__________________________________________________________________________
Effective amounts for each of the tea tree and eucalyptus oils in diluted
form can depend on the class of application, and include the amounts shown
in the table below:
__________________________________________________________________________
Class/Application
Wt % Range
Preferred Wt %
More Preferred Wt %
__________________________________________________________________________
Concentrate
0.1 to 15
0.5 to 5
1
Class I 0.0005 to 0.04 0.005 to 0.03 0.02
Class II 0.003 to 0.08 0.01 to 0.06 0.05
Class III 0.08 to 0.25 0.10 to 0.20 0.15
Class IV 0.25 to 2 0.4 to 1.0 0.5
__________________________________________________________________________
"Tea tree oil" as used herein includes the extract from the tea tree
(Melaleuca alternifolia), preferably the leaves. Tea tree oil is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,189 to Whiteley issued Mar. 11, 1997 entitled
"Disinfecting Composition," which is incorporated in its entirety by
reference. Tea tree oil contains almost 50 compounds, including
monoterpenes, sequiterpines, and terpene alcohols. The Australian standard
for tea tree oil requires that the oil contain at least 30 weight percent
terpinen 4-ol and not more than 15 weight percent cineole.
"Eucalyptus oil" as used herein includes the extract from a species of
eucalyptus tree (genus Eucalyptus), preferably the leaves. Eucalyptus
species include piperita, radiata, globulus, oleaosa, cneorifolia,
citriodora, polybractea, australiana, and dives; preferably one of the
latter three species. Eucalyptus oil contains varying amounts of cineole,
terpineol, citral, citronellal, phellandrene. Pharmaceutical quality
eucalyptus oil contains at least 70% cineole.
Extraction methods for obtaining tea tree or eucalyptus oil are known in
the art, and include pressing, steam distillation, or extraction with a
solvent.
Carrier Phase
The effective amounts of tea tree and eucalyptus oils are preferably
dispersed in a carrier phase. As used herein, a "dispersion" means a
stable, uniformly dispersed mixture, and includes a blend, mixture,
colloidal solution, true solution, suspension, and emulsion. The carrier
phase may be aqueous or hydrocarbon based. If aqueous based, suitable
organic solvents include alcohols, ketones, chlorinated solvents, and
esters. If hydrocarbon based, preferably the hydrocarbon carrier is
essentially volatile, so that the carrier will evaporate after
application. Suitable hydrocarbon based carriers include aliphatic,
aromatic, and terpene hydrocarbons. If aqueous based, the aqueous carrier
is essentially continuous in the dispersion. The primary component of the
aqueous phase is water. Water is preferred because it is an inexpensive,
nontoxic carrier.
In order to decrease the weight of the deodorizing dispersion, and thus
save cost during shipment, the dispersion can be formulated to be shipped
in a relatively concentrated form with respect to non-carrier components.
Before application of the dispersion to an odorous material, the end-user
can dilute the dispersion with the carrier (e.g., water) to form the
desired deodorizing dispersion concentration.
The deodorizing dispersion optionally includes one or more dispersing
agents to assist in maintaining the stability or uniformity of the
dispersion. The dispersing agents may also provide other desirable
attributes to the dispersion. A "dispersing agent" includes surfactants,
emulsifiers, thickening agents, hydrotropes, solvents, and mixtures
thereof. Preferably, each dispersing agent is biodegradable. As used
herein, "biodegradable" means chemically broken down by microorganisms
and/or natural environmental factors within an acceptable time given the
toxicity of the subject material.
Thickening Agent
A first optional dispersing agent for an aqueous carrier is an effective
amount of one or more thickening agents--that is, an amount of hydrophilic
substance that increases the viscosity of the deodorizing dispersion to
aid in maintaining stability. Generally, "thickening agents" include: (1)
starches, gums, casein, gelatin, and phycocolloids, (2) cellulose
derivatives, (3) polyvinyl alcohol and carboxy-vinylates, and (4)
bentonite, silicates, and colloidal silica.
Preferred thickening agents for use with an aqueous carrier include
modified celluloses, such as hydroxyethylcellulose,
hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose,
and hydroxybutylcellulose, such as the products sold under the trade name
CELLOSIZE (QP and WP) by Union Carbide Corporation, NATROSOL (150, 250) by
Hercules Corporation, and NATROSOL PLUS GRADE 330 CS by Aqualon
Corporation.
Thickening agents also include heterobiopolysaccharides, for example, the
xanthan gums marketed under the marks KELTROL and KELZAN by the Kelco
Corporation, RHODOPOL and RHODIGEL by the Rhone-Poulenc Corporation, and
ACTIGUM by the Ceca/Satia Corporation; carob gums; guar gums; and
hydroxypropylguar gums. Also included are crosslinked polyacrylic acids
such as Carbopols from the Goodrich Company and SYNTHALEN K, L or M from
the Sigma Company; glyceryl poly(meth)acrylate polymers sold under the
marks HISPAGEL or LUBRAGEL by the Hispano Quimica Corporation or Guardian
Corporation, respectively; polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyvinyl alcohol;
crosslinked polymers of acrylamide and ammonium acrylate sold under the
marks PAS 5161 or BOZEPOL C by Hoechst Corporation; crosslinked polymers
of acrylamide and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid, partially or
totally neutralized, sold under the name SEPIGEL 305 by the Seppic
Corporation; crosslinked polymers of acrylamide and
methacryloyloxyethyl-trimethylammonium chloride sold under the mark
SALCARE SC92 by the Allied Colloids Corporation; or homopolymers or
copolymers derived from acrylic acid such as the product sold under the
mark ACRYSOL ICS-1 by the Seppic Corporation; and polyurethane latexes
such as that sold under the mark DSX-1514 by the Henkel Corporation.
Effective amounts of thickening agent can depend on the expected class of
application, and include the amounts shown in the table below, based on
the total weight of dispersion:
__________________________________________________________________________
Class/Application
Wt % Range
Preferred Wt %
More Preferred Wt %
__________________________________________________________________________
Concentrate
0.01 to 3
0.1 to 2
0.2
Class I 0.0016 to 0.016 0.001 to 0.01 0.004
Class II 0.003 to 0.03 0.005 to 0.02 0.01
Class III 0.015 to 0.15 0.02 to 0.10 0.03
Class IV 0.06 to 0.20 0.08 to 0.20 0.1
__________________________________________________________________________
Surfactant
A second optional dispersing agent is an effective amount of one or more
surfactants to promote the stability or uniformity of the deodorizing
dispersion. Preferably, the surfactant has emulsifying attributes to
provide a sufficient hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) to maintain the
deodorizing dispersion in a clear appearance. Surfactants include nonionic
surfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and, less
preferably, cationic surfactants, since cationic surfactants can weaken
fluorocarbon-based stain resistant treatments.
Suitable nonionic surfactants include one or more ethoxylates, such as the
aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates and alkylphenol ethoxylates. As is known in
the art, these nonionic compounds are water-soluble surfactants obtained
by condensing ethylene oxide groups with an aliphatic alcohol or
alkylphenol. Suitable nonionic ethoxylates include those having either the
formula R.sub.1 (OC.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.n OH, where R.sub.1 is an alkyl
group having from 8 to 18 carbons, and n is from 3 to 15; or the formula
R.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 (OC.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.n OH where R.sub.2 is an
alkyl group having from 7 to 10 carbons, more preferably from 8 to 9
carbons, and n is from 3 to 20, more preferably from 8 to 10. Union
Carbide Corporation supplies nonylphenol ethoxylates under the TERGITOL
trademark, such as TERGITOL NP-9 (where n equals 9). Other suitable
nonionic surfactants include poly(oxypropylene)-poly(oxyethylene),
alkylene oxide adducts of polyhydric components, such as ethylene oxide
adducts of ethylene diamine sold under the TETRONIC mark, and the ethylene
oxide propylene oxide adducts of propylene glycol sold under the PLURONIC
mark.
In addition to aiding the stability of the deodorizing dispersion, the
surfactant: 1) assists in wetting both the material being treated and the
foreign substances present on that material and 2) interacts with the
foreign material to help lift and suspend it until extracted, removed, or
rinsed from the treated material.
Effective amounts of surfactant can depend on the expected class of
application, and include the amounts shown in the table below, based on
the total weight of dispersion:
__________________________________________________________________________
Class/Application
Wt % Range
Preferred Wt %
More Preferred Wt %
__________________________________________________________________________
Concentrate
1 to 15 1 to 7 2
Class I 0.0016 to 0.16 0.016 to 0.10 0.04
Class II 0.016 to 0.30 0.16 to 0.20 0.18
Class III 0.16 to 0.5 0.20 to 0.40 0.3
Class IV 0.20 to 5 0.5 to 2.0 1.0
__________________________________________________________________________
Solvent
A third optional dispersing agent is an effective amount of one or more
solvents to promote the stability or uniformity of the deodorizing
dispersion. Suitable solvents include alcohols, polyols, glycols, ketones,
esters, and glycol ether solvents, their acetates, and mixtures thereof.
Preferred glycol ether solvents include the p-series glycol ethers.
P-series glycol ethers are organic ether compounds obtained by the
synthesis of alcohols and propylene oxide. P-series glycols have a number
of favorable attributes: 1) exhibit non-toxic and non-ozone depleting
properties, 2) metabolize to propylene glycol--a common food ingredient,
3) possess surfactant qualities to help dissolve oil-soluble components in
aqueous environments, 4) reduce the surface tension of water to penetrate
into both water-soluble and oil-soluble solids while wetting the substrate
to lift soils, 5) provide coupling capabilities to remove oil-soluble and
water-soluble soils from the substrate, 6) suspend soils in solution to
prevent redeposition onto the cleaned surface, and 7) exhibit low vapor
pressures.
P-series glycol ethers that are useful in the present invention include
dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (DPM), propylene glycol monomethyl
ether (PM), propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl
ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl
ether, and butylethoxy propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. The related
compounds of glycol ether acetates, for example, propylene glycol
monomethyl ether acetate, can also be used. However, glycol ether acetates
should be avoided if the deodorizing dispersion will contact rubber, since
these compounds can cause rubber degradation and swelling.
Effective amounts of solvent can depend on the expected class of
application, and include the amounts shown in the table below, based on
the total weight of dispersion:
__________________________________________________________________________
Class/Application
Wt % Range
Preferred Wt %
More Preferred Wt %
__________________________________________________________________________
Concentrate
1 to 45 1 to 25
3
Class I 0.0024 to 0.24 0.024 to 0.10 0.06
Class II 0.09 to 0.50 0.12 to 0.30 0.15
Class III 0.24 to 0.75 0.35 to 0.65 0.45
Class IV 0.75 to 45 1.0 to 2.0 1.5
__________________________________________________________________________
Manufacturing the Deodorizing Dispersion
The deodorizing dispersion can be manufactured by any of the conventional
mixing methods. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the stability of
the deodorizing dispersion is affected by many parameters, including: 1)
the choice of dispersing agents (e.g., surfactants, solvents, thickeners),
2) the concentration of the various components, 3) process considerations
(e.g., the mixing equipment), 4) the sequence in which the ingredients are
added, 5) the speed and duration of the process, and 6) temperature
changes.
A suitable method of forming the deodorizing dispersion includes placing
the carrier component into a vessel having turbine agitation capable of
forming a vortex. After forming a vortex in the carrier component, the
optional dispersing agents are slowly added into the vortex to thoroughly
disperse these components in the mixture. If an aqueous carrier is used,
preferably any optional thickener dispersing agent is added before any
optional surfactant or solvent dispersing agent is added. Then, the tea
tree and eucalyptus oils are added to the resulting mixture while
agitating to disperse the oils and form the deodorizing dispersion.
Alternatively, the deodorizing dispersion can be prepared by a conventional
process of emulsification utilizing a high shear or high pressure
homogenizer, operated to obtain average droplet sizes sufficiently small
to form a stable emulsion, as is known in the art.
Using the Deodorizing Dispersion
The deodorizing dispersion may be supplied in a ready-to-use form or in a
concentrated form to save in shipping costs. If supplied in a concentrated
form, the end-user dilutes and mixes the dispersion with additional
carrier (e.g., water) to form the desired concentration before
application. Generally, porous fabrics such as carpets require a more
concentrated dispersion than hard-surface applications. Also, a more
concentrated dispersion is recommended for strongly fouled and odorous
materials. Once formed, the deodorizing dispersion of the present
invention will remain stable and retain its deodorizing attributes under
normal conditions, including temperature changes, for reasonable periods
of time, although agitation before use may be needed if the dispersion has
been stored for a long time.
An end user can apply the deodorizing dispersion by hand by soaking a cloth
or sponge with the dispersion and then wiping the surface to be
deodorized. After waiting about 10 minutes, the user then wipes the
surface with a clean cloth or sponge to remove the deodorizing dispersion
and foreign materials. Alternatively, a user can apply the deodorizing
dispersion by sprayer (e.g., pressure, pump-up, or electric types),
water-based fogger, or injector. After about 10 minutes residence time,
the dispersion and foreign material may be extracted. In laundry
applications, the deodorizing dispersion is added directly to the wash
water.
The following example is presented for the purpose of further illustrating
and explaining the present invention and is not to be taken as limiting in
any regard. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by
weight.
EXAMPLE 1
A deodorizing dispersion was prepared having the following weight
percentages based on the total formulation:
__________________________________________________________________________
Component Weight Percent
60 gallon batch amounts:
__________________________________________________________________________
Water 93.56 56 gallons
Tea tree oil (TTO).sup.1 0.84 1.9 kg
Eucalyptus oil (EO).sup.2 0.84 1.9 kg
Polyethoxylated nonylphenol nonionic 1.70 8.5 lbs
surfactant.sup.3
Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether 2.86 14.3 lbs
(DPM) solvent
Hydroxyethylcellulose thickening agent.sup.4 0.20 1 lb
__________________________________________________________________________
.sup.1 Standard Tea Tree Oil, Product No. FPBULKUSQ, Thursday Plantation
Laboratories Ltd., Pacific Highway, Ballina NSW 2478 Australia.
.sup.2 EUCALYPTOL eucalyptus oil, Product No. V1379, Arylessence
Corporation, Marietta, Georgia
.sup.3 TERGITOL NP9 nonionic surfactant, Union Carbide Corporation
.sup.4 CELLOSIZE thickener, Product No. HECQP 100MH, Union Carbide
Corporation
The deodorizing dispersion was formed by first placing water at a
temperature of from about 10.degree. C. to about 30.degree. C. into a
suitable vessel having turbine agitation capable of forming a vortex.
After forming a vortex in the water, the thickening agent was slowly added
into the vortex to reduce the particle size of the thickening agent
particles and facilitate hydrolyzing the mixture into a smooth thickened
liquid. Next, the solvent and the surfactant were added to the thickened
liquid while agitating to disperse these components throughout the
thickened liquid. Then, the tea tree and eucalyptus oils were added to the
resulting mixture while agitating to disperse the oils and form the
deodorizing dispersion. The resulting dispersion was clear and stable.
The resulting deodorizing dispersion is applied directly or mixed with
additional water before application to form a diluted concentration. The
following table shows suitable dilutions of the Example 1 deodorizing
dispersion for various deodorizing applications as previously classified:
______________________________________
Application Dilution.sup.1
Preferred Dilution.sup.2
______________________________________
Class I 1 to 3 ounces
2%
Class II 4 to 10 ounces 5%
Class III 10 to 32 ounces 15%
Class IV 32 to 128 ounces 50%
______________________________________
.sup.1 Volume of Example 1 dispersion per gallon of water.
.sup.2 Volume/volume percent of Example 1 dispersion in dilution.
Comparison Test
A carpet that had been uniformly soiled with cat urine was divided into
four areas and treated with equal amounts of different dispersions. The
first area was sprayed with a diluted deodorizing dispersion of the
present invention ("Dispersion A; eight ounces of the deodorizing
dispersion of Example 1 diluted with one gallon of water). The second area
was sprayed with a dispersion similar to Dispersion A, but with the
eucalyptus oil replaced with an equivalent amount of water ("Dispersion
B"). The third area was sprayed with a dispersion similar to Dispersion A,
but with the tea tree oil replaced with an equivalent amount of water
("Dispersion C"). The fourth area was not sprayed. The results are shown
in the table below:
__________________________________________________________________________
Treatment Initial Result Result After 24 Hours
__________________________________________________________________________
Dispersion A (present
Significantly reduced odor; no
No residual odor; no odor of
invention) residual tea tree oil odor tea tree oil
Dispersion B Significantly reduced odor, but with Residual odor;
lingering
heavy tea tree oil scent odor of tea tree oil
Dispersion C Slightly reduced odor Residual odor
No Treatment Odor not reduced Odor not reduced
__________________________________________________________________________
The above descriptions are those of preferred embodiments of the invention.
Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the
spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the claims,
which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent
law, including the doctrine of equivalents. Except in the claims and the
specific examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical
quantities in this description indicating amounts of material, reaction
conditions, use conditions, molecular weights, and/or number of carbon
atoms, and the like, are to be understood as modified by the word "about"
in describing the broadest scope of the invention. Any reference to an
item in the disclosure or to an element in the claim in the singular using
the articles "a, " "an," "the," or "said" is not to be construed as
limiting the item or element to the singular unless expressly so stated.
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